Natuna Regional Secretary Boy Wijanarko Varianto chaired the 2026 meeting of the Regional Financial Access Acceleration Team (TPAKD) at the Natuna Regent’s Office on Thursday morning (October 1). The meeting was attended by the Assistant for Economic and Development Affairs, the Head of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) of the Riau Islands Province, representatives of banks, Pegadaian, BPJS, and relevant regional government agencies.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation among financial service institutions to expand access to financing that is safe, accessible, and suited to the needs of the community.
In his remarks, Boy said the local economy is closely tied to the smooth flow of household finances. Financial difficulties among residents, including those affected by delays in the payment of allowances for civil servants, can reduce purchasing power and in turn affect the activities and growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He therefore called for support from OJK and financial service institutions to work together in finding solutions and expanding safe financing access, particularly for MSMEs. According to Boy, appropriate and accessible financing can help people develop their businesses while supporting the continuity of economic activity in the region.
Boy also appreciated financial literacy and education activities previously provided to fishermen. He said such efforts are important in helping communities better understand financial products and services, including online lending platforms.
He stressed the need to ensure that people do not make rushed financial decisions simply because of urgent needs, without first understanding the risks, terms, and their ability to repay the loan.
More broadly, Boy emphasized that all financial institutions have an important role in accelerating regional economic growth. Banks, Pegadaian, financing companies, and other financial service institutions can contribute by providing financing that is fast, accessible, and secure.
He also called for greater access to finance to be aligned with government programs, including efforts to strengthen the local economy through village and urban-village cooperatives.
According to Boy, continued coordination among the central government, regional government, financial institutions, and the community is essential to ensuring that economic empowerment programs run effectively and deliver tangible benefits to the people. (Pro_Kopim Natuna/S)
RILIS PERS, Number : 07027/PRO_KOPIM/2026
